Outsiders

Led by brothers Bear and Bryant "Bo" Rinehart, Needtobreathe are firmly planted in the late-`90s adult-alternative sound of groups such as Collective Soul, Train, and Goo Goo Dolls, infusing their arena-ready rock with faith-driven (but not preachy) lyrics with just a touch of a gospel influence. While far from being industry pariahs, Needtobreathe seem to relish their position as Christian rock artists working largely out-of-step with current trends, wearing the label on the title of their third album, THE OUTSIDERS. From searing blues-inflected numbers ("Prisoner") to Southern-styled gospel rockers ("Lay `Em Down") to emotive ballads ("These Hard Times"), the album heralds the band's own unique stamp on CCM vis-à-vis alternative rock.